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Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi says self-driving on his Tesla is 'delightful' and welcomes Elon Musk's competition in autonomous taxis

Dara Khosrowshahi speaks at the World Economic Forum in Davos
Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said he owns a Tesla and loves it.

AP Photo/Markus Schreiber

  • Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi revealed that he drives a Tesla.
  • "Great car," Khosrowshahi said while praising the vehicle's self-driving capabilities.
  • As for his company, Khosrowshahi isn't worried about Tesla robotaxis.

Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said on Friday that he isn't sweating Elon Musk's robotaxis.

"I don't think that there will be a winner-take-all," Khosrowshahi told Semafor editor-in-chief Ben Smith during the publication's World Economic Summit in Washington.

"The drama is winner-take-all, but I think that the transportation industry is a trillion-plus-dollar industry," he said. "You could argue that rideshare is going to finally beat personal car ownership in a world where you've got robots driving all over the place, so I think there will be plenty of room in the industry."

Khosrowshahi said Uber would "love to work with" Musk's company. He also revealed that he owns a Tesla.

"Great car," Khosrowshahi said.

Asked if he has tried full self-driving, Khosrowshahi responded, "It is delightful, but I have to take over every once in a while. It is an absolutely great product. Again, the car is a terrific car."

Musk isn't playing as nicely with his competitors in the autonomous taxi space. Earlier this week, Musk took a shot at Waymo during Tesla's Q1 earnings call.

Musk said the problem with Alphabet's robotaxis is that they cost "way mo' money."

Waymo's ex-CEO brushed off the insult.

"Tesla has never competed with Waymo β€” they've never sold a robotaxi ride to a public rider, but they've sold a lot of cars," John Krafcik said in an email to Business Insider.

Uber and Waymo are partnering on autonomous ride-hailing in Austin and Atlanta. Tesla is aiming to roll out a "pilot" robotaxi service in AustinΒ in June.

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Ken Griffin says Trump is 'eroding the American brand'

Ken Griffin speaks during Semaphor's World Economic Summit in Washington.
Citadel CEO Ken Griffin is one of the Republican Party's largest donors. He's not sold on President Donald Trump's first 100 days.

Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images

  • Citadel CEO Ken Griffin gave President Donald Trump a "mixed" review for his first 100 days.
  • Griffin has repeatedly expressed unease with Trump's tariffs.
  • The billionaire said on Wednesday that Trump's policies are putting the US "brand" at risk.

Citadel CEO Ken Griffin said President Donald Trump's trade war is killing Wall Street's animal spirits vibes and tarnishing the US brand more broadly.

"How does Canada feel about our country today versus two months ago?" Griffin said during an interview at Semafor's World Economy Summit in Washington. "How does Europe feel about the United States today versus two months ago? "

Griffin said that Trump's actions have unnerved financial markets and weakened confidence in US Treasuries, "eroding" the most powerful brand.

"We put that brand at risk," he told Semafor senior editor Gina Chon. "And, as you and I both know, it could take a very long time to remove the tarnish from the brand."

On April 9, Trump announced a 90-day pause on most of his "reciprocal tariffs" after financial and bond markets were roiled for a week after his announcement. The White House said it has continued to impose high tariffs on China because, unlike other countries, Beijing retaliated to the president's move.

Griffin said he took solace in Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's signals that the US and China may be able to work out a trade deal. Bessent said on Thursday that there's an "opportunity for a big deal," optimism that reverberated in trading.

As of midday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500 are up slightly.

Griffin said overall, Trump's first 100 days have been "mixed." The billionaire praised the White House's quick action on immigration, removing diversity requirements, and pushing European allies to pay more for their defense. Griffin said the speed of Trump's moves has led to "some missteps."

"We're moving too quickly, we're moving too haphazardly, and we're breaking a lot of glass in trying to solve problems these very real problems," he said.

One of the Republican Party's biggest donors, Griffin supported former UN ambassador Nikki Haley in the 2024 GOP presidential primary. He gave Trump positive marks for immigration, removing diversity requirements and pushing European allies to pay more for their defense.

Like some others on Wall Street, Griffin reacted positively to Trump's win. But Griffin said Trump's trade policies are reducing the once vibrant optimism.

"I think all of us we're looking forward to four years to really grow our businesses," Griffin said. "Unfortunately, the trade war, which has devolved into a nonsensical place, means we're spending time thinking about supply chains, thinking about strategically how we're going to source goods around the world."

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Here's where all the firms in the Trump-Big Law fight stand

President Donald Trump has been signing executive orders against legal powerhouses such as Covington & Burling and WilmerHale.
President Donald Trump has signed executive orders against legal powerhouses such as Covington & Burling and WilmerHale.

Alex Wong/Getty Images

  • President Donald Trump has issued a wave of executive orders targeting high-profile law firms.
  • Trump has restricted clearances β€”Β ultimately limiting the way they do business β€” for firms that have clashed with his administration.
  • While some firms have agreed to Trump's demands, others have sued the administration.

As Donald Trump has taken aim at Big Law law firms in recent weeks, some firms have made deals with the president, while others are refusing to throw in the towel.

The president's wide-reaching ordersΒ have promptedΒ reviews of each firm's government contracts, canceling security clearances for some firm employeesΒ and, in some cases, blocking them from entering federal buildings β€” including courthouses.

Trump has accused the Big Law firms β€” including Paul Weiss, Perkins Coie, and Covington & Burling, among others β€” of weaponizing the judicial system. His orders have, in turn, made it harder for the firms to continue conducting business as usual. Several firms have alleged in lawsuits that the executive orders intended to chill free speech and deter clients from doing business with them. Others have agreed to work with the administration to avoid punitive executive actions against them.

The president has singled out a string of law firms that he says have wronged him in some capacity, have worked with his political opponents, or have had diversity initiatives that are counter to his anti-DEI efforts.

What's more, Trump instructed Attorney General Pam Bondi to identify firms with "frivolous" cases against the administration so that they could be targeted for further executive action.

Whether they're on the ropes or down for the count, here are the firms Trump is taking on, how they've responded, and where the legal process standsΒ for those who have challenged him in court.

Paul Weiss

On March 14, Trump issued an executive order directed at the prominent New York City-based law firm Paul Weiss, where he railed against the attorney Mark Pomerantz and decried what he said was "unlawful discrimination" from diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at the firm.

Pomerantz previously left Paul Weiss to aid the Manhattan District Attorney's office as it probed Trump's finances. When Pomerantz resigned as special district attorney in February 2022, he wrote in a departing letter that he believed Trump was "guilty of numerous felony violations."

In the order, Trump sought to revoke security clearances and bar access to government buildings for attorneys of the firm. Such a sweeping directive could also include federal courthouses, a scenario that would be detrimental to the firm's work.

However, Trump just days later rescinded the executive order and announced an agreement with Paul Weiss chairman Brad Karp. Trump said the firm would provide $40 million in pro bono work for causes that the administration supports and end its DEI policies.

Karp received a heap of criticism, with many questioning why Paul Weiss didn't challenge Trump's order. In an email to the firm's attorneys, he said there was a desire from the outset to challenge the directive. In the same email, though, Karp argued that even if Paul Weiss won in court, it would become "persona non grata" with the Trump White House, which could prompt a wave of clients to switch to other firms and subsequently threaten the viability of the firm.

"It was very likely that our firm would not be able to survive a protracted dispute with the administration," Karp wrote in the email.

Perkins Coie

On March 6, Trump targeted the law firm Perkins Coie, issuing an executive order to suspend the security clearances of the firm's attorneys and criticizing its diversity and inclusion policies.

In the order, Trump called out what he said was the firm's "dishonest and dangerous activity."

The president, in his order, highlighted the firm's representation of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton β€” his rival in the 2016 presidential election β€” during that year's tumultuous campaign.

However, Perkins Coie struck back, filing a lawsuit against the administration for actions that it said "violates core constitutional rights, including the rights to free speech and due process."

"At the heart of the order is an unlawful attack on the freedom of all Americans to select counsel of their choice without fear of retribution or punishment from the government," Perkins Coie managing director Bill Malley said in a statement in March. "We were compelled to take this action to protect our firm and our clients."

The day after Perkins Coie filed its suit, a federal judge agreed to temporarily block part of the president's executive order.

Perkins Coie, in a statement, said the ruling was "an important first step in ensuring this unconstitutional Executive Order is never enforced."

Covington & Burling LLP

Trump on February 25 signed a memorandum to evaluate federal contracts and direct the suspension of security clearances for some employees at Covington & Burling, a DC-based law firm known for its antitrust work.

The president in the memo said he was suspending the clearances of individuals who advised former special counsel Jack Smith.

Smith brought two federal cases against Trump β€” one for election interference in the 2020 presidential election and the other for retaining classified documents β€” but both were dropped after the president won reelection to a second term in November 2024.

In the memo, Trump went after individuals whom he said were "involved in the weaponization of government" and named Peter Koski, a lawyer at Covington representing Smith.

A Covington spokesperson in March said it was representing Smith in an "individual" capacity.

"We recently agreed to represent Jack Smith when it became apparent that he would become a subject of a government investigation," the spokesperson said in a statement. "We look forward to defending Mr. Smith's interests and appreciate the trust he has placed in us to do so."

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP

Skadden made a deal with Trump, acting before it was singled out in any executive orders. The firm promised to provide $100 million in pro bono legal services "to causes that the President and Skadden both support," Trump announced on March 28.

Skadden also affirmed its commitment to merit-based hiring and employee retention, Trump said. The firm also agreed that it would refrain from engaging in "illegal DEI discrimination," according to a copy of the agreement that Trump shared on Truth Social.

In a statement, Jeremy London, Skadden's executive partner, said the firm "engaged proactively" with the administration to reach the agreement.

"We firmly believe that this outcome is in the best interests of our clients, our people, and our Firm," London said.

Speaking from the White House, Trump referred to the deal as "essentially a settlement."

Within the firm, some associates and employees expressed frustration about the deal, calling it the beginning of the end for Skadden.

In the weeks leading up to the agreement, Skadden associate Rachel Cohen publicly resigned and circulated an open letter among associates at top firms calling out their employers for what she has described as inaction in the face of the administration's attacks.

After the deal was announced, another employee, Brenna Frey, also resigned publicly in an announcement on LinkedIn.

Elias Law Group

The chair of Elias Law Group took a different approach after it was targeted by the administration.

Trump named the Elias Law Group in his "frivolous" lawsuits memo, formally titled "Preventing Abuses of the Legal System and the Federal Court."

It claimed that the law firm was "deeply involved in the creation of a false 'dossier' by a foreign national designed to provide a fraudulent basis for Federal law enforcement to investigate a Presidential candidate in order to alter the outcome of the Presidential election."

The memo went on to say that the firm "intentionally sought to conceal the role of his client β€” failed Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton β€” in the dossier."

Marc Elias, the Democratic election lawyer who founded and chairs the group, released a statement swinging back at Trump, whose actions target "every attorney and law firm who dares to challenge his assault on the rule of law," he said.

"President Trump's goal is clear," Elias said in the statement. "He wants lawyers and law firms to capitulate and cower until there is no one left to oppose his Administration in court."

Adding that American democracy is in a state of "peril," Elias said his law firm would not cower.

"Elias Law Group will not be deterred from fighting for democracy in court," he said. "There will be no negotiation with this White House about the clients we represent or the lawsuits we bring on their behalf."

Jenner & Block

Trump signed an order naming Jenner & Block on March 25 that revoked security clearances from the firm's attorneys and ordered a review of the firm's contracts with the federal government.

Trump's order singled out Andrew Weissmann, a former Jenner attorney who Trump accused of building his career around "weaponized government and abuse of power." Weissmann was a lead prosecutor in Robert Mueller's Special Counsel's Office, which investigated Trump's 2016 presidential campaign and its ties to Russia.

Jenner issued a statement calling the order an "unconstitutional executive order that has already been declared unlawful by a federal court."

"We remain focused on serving and safeguarding our clients' interests with the dedication, integrity, and expertise that has defined our firm for more than one hundred years and will pursue all appropriate remedies," the statement from Jenner said.

Jenner also fought back with a lawsuit. The firm is represented by Cooley LLP, a liberal-leaning firm that has hired lawyers from Democratic administrations.

On March 28, Judge John D. Bates of the US District Court for the District of Columbia issued a temporary restraining order that keeps the Trump administration from taking action against Jenner. On April 1, Bates extended this order until a final judgement has been made. Both the Justice Department and Jenner consented to the extension.

Following the ruling, Jenner said in a statement that the order holds "no legal weight."

"We will continue to do what we have always done, our job as lawyers and fearless advocates for our clients," the firm said.

WilmerHale

The Trump administration has also targeted WilmerHale, which employed Mueller and other lawyers who worked with the Justice Department to investigate ties between Russia and Trump's 2016 campaign.

On March 27, Trump signed an executive order that suspended security clearances for WilmerHale employees and limited their access to federal buildings. The order also revoked WilmerHale's government contracts for engaging in "partisan representations to achieve political ends" and "efforts to discriminate on the basis of race."

In contrast with other firms that have inked deals with the president, WilmerHale filed a lawsuit.

The firm hired Paul Clement, the conservative legal superstar of the firm Clement & Murphy, to fight back against the Trump administration.

"This lawsuit is absolutely critical to vindicating the First Amendment, our adversarial system of justice, and the rule of law," Clement told Business Insider in a statement.

On the afternoon of March 28, Judge Richard J. Leon of the US District Court for the District of Columbia approved a motion for a temporary restraining order to halt executive actions against WilmerHale.

"There is no doubt this retaliatory action chills speech and legal advocacy, or that it qualifies as a constitutional harm," Leon wrote.

A spokesperson for WilmerHale called the executive order unconstitutional and praised the court's "swift action."

Milbank

On April 2, Trump announced on Truth Social that he had struck a preemptive deal with Milbank without targeting the firm for executive action.

The terms of the deal, according to the president's announcement, include the firm's agreement to end any DEI-based hiring practices, and to perform at least $100 million worth of pro bono legal work to advance causes supported by the Trump administration, such as "assisting veterans" and "combatting antisemitism."

In addition, Milbank's pro bono committee will ensure the firm takes on cases representing "the full political spectrum, including Conservative ideals," and commits that it "will not deny representation to clients" based on the personal political views of individual lawyers, per Trump's announcement.

"Milbank LLP approached President Donald J. Trump and his Administration, stating their resolve to help end the Weaponization of the Justice System and the Legal Profession," reads a statement from the White House included in Trump's post. "The President continues to build an unrivaled network of Lawyers, who will put a stop to Partisan Lawfare in America, and restore Liberty and Justice FOR ALL."

Milbank's chairman, Scott Edelman, said in a statement posted by Trump that, after a "constructive dialogue," the firm was "pleased we were so quickly able to find common ground" with the administration.

When reached by Business Insider, a spokesperson for the firm provided a letter sent by Edelman to Milbank's staff in which he said the agreement "is very much in Milbank's interest."

"The Administration's expressed concerns about big law firms, and in some cases its entry of Executive Orders against particular firms, have created uncertainty for law firms like ours," Edelman's letter to staff reads. "With this agreement, we believe we have gone a long way to putting these issues behind us. But we have done so in a way that allows us to continue to focus on the Firm's values and missions, including with respect to pro bono and our hope to foster an inclusive, non-discriminatory community where all of our members have an equal opportunity to succeed."

Edelman added: "Having now reached an agreement with the Administration, we can continue to do what we do best β€” focus on providing the best possible advice, counseling and service to our clients."

Susman Godfrey

On April 9, Trump signed an executive memorandum targeting Susman Godfrey, a specialized litigation firm.

In a fact sheet, the White House accused Susman of spearheading "efforts to weaponize the American legal system and degrade the quality of American elections."

Trump's order immediately suspends any Susman security clearances held by the firm's employees. The federal government will also terminate any contracts with the firm.

The firm's hiring practices will also be reviewed "to ensure compliance with civil rights laws against racial bias."

Susman said it would fight Trump's order.

"Anyone who knows Susman Godfrey knows we believe in the rule of law, and we take seriously our duty to uphold it," the firm said in a statement to Business Insider. "This principle guides us now. There is no question that we will fight this unconstitutional order."

Willkie Farr & Gallagher

Willkie Farr & Gallagher, which employs Doug Emhoff, husband of former Vice President Kamala Harris, struck a deal with the administration, pledging at least $100 million in pro bono legal work for conservative causes, Trump said in an April 1 social media post.

"Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP proactively reached out to President Trump and his Administration, offering their decisive commitment to ending the Weaponization of the Justice System and the Legal Profession," the White House said, according to Trump's post on Truth Social.

The firm's ties to Trump go to the 1990s when it represented the then real estate developer in a bankruptcy case.

In 2023, Willkie brought Tim Heaphy as partner. Heaphy was the former chief investigative counsel for the congressional committee that investigated the January 6, 2021, attacks on the Capitol.

The firm also represents X, Elon Musk's social media platform.

Trump said that Willkie Farr & Gallagher also committed to "Merit-Based Hiring, Promotion, and Retention," which touches on the Trump's efforts to dismantle DEI initiatives.

A representative for Willkie Farr & Gallagher did not respond to a request for comment.

Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft

Trump said in a Truth Social post April 11 that the administration had come to an agreement with Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft, saying the law firm agreed to provide $100 million in pro bono legal services.

The services would go toward causes supported by Trump and the law firm, including assisting veterans and law enforcement, combatting antisemitism, and "ensuring fairness in our justice system."

The statement said the firm also agreed to "not engage in illegal DEI discrimination and preferences" or to deny legal representation "because of the personal political views of individual lawyers."

"The substance of our agreement is consistent with the principles that have guided Cadwalader for over 230 years: We always put our client's interests first; We believe that Justice should be available to everyone; and We are committed to attracting, retaining and nurturing the very best talent from all backgrounds," Patrick Quinn, managing partner at Cadwalader, said in a statement shared by Trump.

Cadwalader did not respond to a request for comment.

Kirkland & Ellis

Trump also announced on April 11 the administration had come to an agreement with an additional four law firms, including Kirkland & Ellis. The president said in a Truth Social post the firms agreed to provide a total of $500 million in pro bono legal services to go toward the same types of causes, with each firm contributing $125 million.

The firms also agreed to engage outside counsel to oversee their hiring practices and ensure they comply with antidiscrimination laws.

Trump said as a result of the agreement, he would end an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission investigation into the law firms over their DEI practices, which was initially announced on March 17.

In a joint statement shared by Trump, the senior executives at the four law firms said: "We have resolved this matter while upholding long-held principles important to each of our Firms: Equal Employment Opportunity; providing pro bono assistance to a wide range of underserved populations, and ensuring fairness in the Justice System; and representing a broad spectrum of clients on various matters."

In a firm-wide internal memo obtained by BI, the Kirkland & Ellis executive committee said the agreement "resolves the EEOC's investigation, including its broad request for information about our people and our clients, which we no longer will be required to provide, and we will not be the target of an executive order."

"We made the decision to pursue this solution because at our very core our mission is to protect and support our people and our clients, and this agreement does both," the memo said.

A&O Shearman

A&O Shearman was among the law firms with which Trump said on April 11 that his administration had reached an agreement. The firm agreed to provide $125 million in pro bono legal services to causes supported by the administration. It also agreed to engage outside counsel to oversee its hiring practices, and the EEOC investigation into the firms has stopped.

A&O Shearman did not respond to a request for comment.

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett also reached an agreement with the White House to provide $125 million in pro bono legal services to causes supported by the firm and Trump, as well as engage outside counsel to ensure its hiring practices comply with antidiscrimination laws.

As a result of the agreement, the EEOC investigation into the firm's hiring practices was stopped.

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett did not respond to a request for comment.

Latham & Watkins

Latham & Watkins was also among the four firms that reached an agreement with Trump, according to the April 11 announcement. The firm agreed to provide $125 million in pro bono legal services as well as engage outside counsel to oversee its hiring. As a result, the Trump administration ended the EEOC investigation into the firm.

Latham & Watkins did not respond to a request for comment.

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Trump posts 'BE COOL!' and tells people 'this is a great time to buy' as his tariffs rattle world markets

Donald Trump offers a thumbs-up outside Marine One
President Donald Trump said it was a good time to buy in the markets as traders continued to digest his sweeping tariffs.

Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images

  • President Donald Trump said, "THIS IS A GREAT TIME TO BUY!!!"
  • Global markets continue to react to the president's sweeping tariffs.
  • The Dow and S&P 500 went up slightly after Trump's statement.

President Donald Trump on Wednesday urged calm as global markets continue to be upended by his wide-reaching trade war.

"BE COOL! Everything is going to work out well," Trump on Truth Social minutes after the New York York Stock Exchange opened. "The USA will be bigger and better than ever before!"

He added shortly after, "THIS IS A GREAT TIME TO BUY!!! DJT"

Markets swung up in early trading not long after Trump's post. The Dow and S&P 500 hoovered up roughly 1% gains, though they've since declined. Trump's media company, Trump Media & Technology Group, which uses "DJT" as the ticker, went up over 8% after the president's post.

On Tuesday, the Dow and S&P 500 closed down for the fourth straight day. JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon and a chorus of other financial leaders have warned that Trump's tariffs will "slow down growth" and raise the chances of a recession.

The White House has made clear the tariffs will remain. Trump has also expressed an openness to cutting deals with various countries, even as some administration officials stress that tariffs are not a negotiating tool.

He has slapped additional tariffs on Chinese goods after Beijing refused to back down on its own retaliatory measures. Chinese imports will now face 104% tariffs. On Wednesday, the European Union moved forward with its retaliatory tariffs, but there was no immediate White House reaction.

Some of the Trump administration's stock guidance has aged poorly. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick last month urged people to buy Tesla shares amid a backlash to CEO Elon Musk's work with the White House DOGE office.

"'It's unbelievable that this guy's stock is this cheap," Lutnick said on March 19. "It'll never be this cheap again."

Since then, Tesla has dropped below $235 a share. Early Wednesday, the automaker flirted around $233.

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